355 Issues to be aware of?

[Lagerlout]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the info on the running costs. Next step, a "buyers guide" please.. What should I look out for when considering a 355. I really haven't made up my mind over a 355 GTB or a 355 Spider (or an RS 911 but thats another story..). The GTS for some reason doesn't appeal to me.

I have gathered from a few posts that clutches/belts/exhaust headers are issues. I imagine electrics something else to look out for. But what is this pre-1996 thing, is it a real issue.

Anything else I should be aware of too?

I'm interested in a black one with tan interior I think. I know, I know they're supposed to be red..

Many thanks,
Neil

[chrisx666]

Hi Neil,
348/355's look good in black or red IMO. I suggest you study this thread - very good info.

www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34059&highlight=355+buying+guide

[wicked1]

There is a few points to watch out for, firstly always buy late as possible - the later models use a different engine management system. It is identified by having a a 'y' shape pipe going to the plenum chambers, the older versions have two pipes (one each side) from the airboxes. The exhaust manifolds break and the engine sounds noisey, This can be expensive to fix. Corrosion across the bottoms of the 'C'pillars and the paint blisters. It is really common for people to disconnect the cat control warning lights, this is because the replacement units (cat control units) are expensive - check all warning lights work. Check when starting the engine from cold that a pump whines for a period, this pump is a secondary air pump which prolongs the life of the cats, check it works. They do suffer cat problems as well. Just be thorough, i could ramble on for ever
I would say, make sure there is a big history with the car, never take anyones word for it being good, find out what you can. Cambelts are an absolute must, makes running it for two years cheap!

Good luck

[Lagerlout]

Just a question on the engine management. Someone on the other thread was suggesting the 95 models with the OBDI are actually less prone to manifold failure due to the fact they run a richer mixture. Any truth in this? What are the negatives with the OBDI cars? I imagine fuel economy?

[tony h]

i haven't heard of there being any diff between 2.7 & 5.2 model manifold failures, ie one's more likely to fail than other. It's a common myth that only early cars have valve guide probs though the first cars-'94- did have a few engine rebuilds. Generally, if a car has reached 20k miles with no probs, it won't have guide issues at all.THe 2.7 OBD1 cars have a touch more power and are far easier to decat than 5.2 cars. There's a wealth of info on these subjects in Fchat archives.
I can tell you that my '96 spider with 25k miles up is original manifolds, clutch and has no valve guide issues at all.They aren't all dogs Get a PPI and compression test done for piece of mind.
Rgds
tony

>> Edited by tony h on Wednesday 30th November 12:56

[targarama]

LOL! I read the title as three hundred and fifty five issues to be aware of ... then realised is was the Ferrari forum (and not the TVR forum )

[wicked1]

The question about running richer has not been proven because i have check emissions on loads and never noticed any real difference. O/S manifold is more hassle to change. You can get reconditioned manifolds from QV.
The main differences between 2.7 and 5.2 is only one air mass meter on 5.2 as well as only one engine ecu. Some components also are shared.